Epilepsy and Seizure Services

Living with epilepsy or seizures can create physical and mental challenges. In the Sutter Health network, we offer personalized care and advanced procedures to treat and manage your condition.

Featured Services

Delivering Compassionate, Advanced Care

If you experience seizures, getting them under control can change your life. A dedicated network of connected care is available across Northern California to help you achieve wellness. Through diagnosis, treatment and beyond, the Sutter Health network has hospitals and care facilities that can provide personalized and comprehensive care for seizures, epilepsy and epilepsy-related problems. In this video, Nicole A. Lopez-Seminario, M.D., a neurologist with Sutter Medical Group, suggests some steps to help prevent seizures.

The Sutter Health network offers access to specially trained epileptologists and comprehensive epilepsy centers for people with uncontrolled seizures.

In addition, the Sutter Children’s Center in Sacramento provides comprehensive diagnosis, treatment and management for pediatric neurological disorders. This Level 4 Epilepsy Center is the only one of its kind in the Sutter network and just one of six in California. The facility is open to all pediatric patients in Northern California with a referral.

We offer the latest technology, including Wada testing and functional mapping imaging, to monitor and assess the exact nature of your epilepsy or seizure. We provide a wide range of treatments to improve seizure control. Surgical and nonsurgical options include:

EEG monitoring
Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU)
Laser ablation
Medication management
Neuropsychology
Temporal lobectomy and vagus nerve stimulation

In the video, Matthew Markert, M.D., a neurologist with the Palo Alto Medical Group, discusses what patients should do once they miss a dose of epilepsy medication as well as how to make this process easier to remember:

We are one of a small group of hospitals in the nation that specialize in responsive neurostimulation (RNS) systems, a type of brain device that helps treat seizures. In 2014, CPMC led the medical trials for the NeuroPace RNS System®, and doctors at the hospital have some of the most experience in the world implanting this and similar devices.

In addition, CPMC facilitates the PEP Jobs Program which offers one-on-one, individualized job placement services for those with epilepsy and other types of seizure disorders.

Some Sutter locations participate in epilepsy research studies, offering you access to new neurological technology and treatments. We directly apply new laboratory findings to clinical use and can help connect you with appropriate clinical trials and testing.

Are you curious if you should see a specialist at a comprehensive epilepsy center? Are you having difficulty managing your seizures, epilepsy or epilepsy-related conditions? In non-emergency situations, you can live chat with a referral specialist, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, by calling (855) 421-2904.

If you want to learn how to better control your epilepsy or want answers to frequently asked questions, visit our Epilepsy Hub.

Epilepsy Questions – How can I prevent future seizures?

In a minute, Dr. Lopez-Seminario discusses the steps you should take to prevent future seizures. From taking your daily medication to a healthy lifestyle, you have a number of ways to limit the chances of future seizures occurring.

Epilepsy Questions – How can I prevent future seizures?

Epilepsy Questions – What are common side effects of medicines?

In a minute, Dr. Agrawal helps you understand the side effects of your epilepsy medication. You’ll know which side effects are common and others that are more problematic.

Epilepsy Questions – What are common side effects of medicines?

Epilepsy Questions – What if my medicines aren’t working?

In a minute, Dr. Velez discusses treatment options patients have when their medicines aren’t working. Comprehensive epilepsy center are specially equipped to offer advanced solutions for epilepsy treatment.

Epilepsy Questions – What if my medicines aren’t working?

Epilepsy Questions – What should I do if I forget to take my medication?

In a minute, Dr. Markert discusses what patients should do if they forget to take their medication. There are several ways to help you remember or reduce the number of pills you take a day.

Epilepsy Questions – What should I do if I forget to take my medication?

Epilepsy Questions – What should I do if I have another seizure?

In a minute, Dr. Chitnis discusses what you should do if you have another seizure. It’s important to track the details of your seizure with a few very important questions. This information is very helpful to your epileptologist and care team.

Epilepsy Questions – What should I do if I have another seizure?

Epilepsy Questions – What type of seizures or epilepsy do I have?

In a minute, Dr. Chez discusses the different types of epilepsy and seizures. To know which you have, it’s important to list the details of your seizures, so Epileptologists can use this information to make a more precise diagnosis.

Epilepsy Questions – What type of seizures or epilepsy do I have?

In Your Corner

Comprehensive Epilepsy Care

Find out if you should see a specialist, learn about available treatments and get answers to key questions about epilepsy.

Epilepsy Research

Cerebrovascular disease is a group of brain disorders related to disease of the blood vessels supplying the brain. High blood pressure is often the most important cause of these disorders that can damage the blood vessel lining. Sustained high blood pressure can cause permanent changes the structure of the blood vessels making them stiff, deformed and vulnerable to failure. Other major modifiable risk factors include smoking, obesity and diabetes.

Sutter Health Epilepsy Research Sutter Health Epilepsy Research